Flemington wrap of Turnbull Stakes day

A Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stayer firmed for the Victoria Derby, while Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott claimed the first two-year-old winner of the season.

Keeneland will head towards the Victoria Derby after winning the Super Impose Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

By Gilbert Gardiner and Brad Waters

Keeneland has firmed as a Group 1 Victoria Derby contender with victory in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained three-year-old Almanzor gelding tracked the speed and proved superior late from Red Aces, Scary and Sergeant Major.

Three of the past six Super Impose Stakes winners trained on to win the Victoria Derby including the late Riff Rocket (2023), Warning (2019) and Extra Brut (2018).

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“I think he’s up to the mark, definitely,” Young said.

“He can sit forward, he can sit a little bit behind … today he actually put everything together, so I just think he’s on the up, and that’s what you need, you know, heading towards a 2500m race in three or four weeks’ time.”

Keeneland firmed $12 to $7 equal favourite with Ladbrokes for the Derby, while Lavalier ($26 to $15) and Red Aces ($11 to $8) also shortened.

Keeneland fights them all off in the Super Impose! 💪@busuttinpic.twitter.com/0vVRFh8LUe

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 5, 2024

RAIL GUIDES TREMONTI

The running rail is always a two-year-old’s best friend as Tremonti showed in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m).

Strong stable numbers in the Sydney two-year-old races prompted trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott to send Tremonti south but the colt looked set for a sound debut second at the 150m.

However, jockey Jye McNeil guided Tremonti ($4.20) alongside the inside rail to get the better of the $10 chance Shining Smile, who had headed the winner at the 100m.

“Jye McNeil was smart enough to take advantage of gate one to just give him that guiderail,” Waterhouse said

“He’s got the fence there. It gives him a big help, especially with these horses coming from interstate.”

Waterhouse said she and Bott would consider running Tremonti in a race at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Tremonti kicks back! 🤯@GaiWaterhouse1 and Adrian Bott do it again! @JyeMcNeil@Darby_Racingpic.twitter.com/pp07zxfH8M

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 5, 2024

DISCREET EMULATES MUM IN MANIFOLD

Too Darn Discreet emulated her dam’s deeds with her success in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m).

The three-year-old’s dam Maybe Discreet won the Edward Manifold Stakes in 2012 for then South Australian trainer Phillip Stokes.

Ballarat trainer Dan O’Sullivan guided Too Darn Discreet to her maiden win at Sandown last month before the Too Darn Hot filly handled a steep class rise in a Manifold Stakes run in driving rain.

Jockey Mark Zahra said he had trouble seeing during the race but Too Darn Discreet ($9.50) still proved too strong for the Chris Waller-trained favourite Declichy Boulevard ($2.20).

Ladbrokes trimmed Too Darn Discreet’s Thousand Guineas quote to $11 but O’Sullivan said he was yet to confirm the remainder of the emerging galloper’s spring plans.

Too Darn Discreet sweeps past the favourites to claim the Edward Manifold! 💨

Awesome result for trainer Dan O'Sullivan winning a Group 2 on a big day. 👏@DOSullivanRacepic.twitter.com/1QvjqOssmW

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 5, 2024

CHAMPION FADES AS BRYN BOLTS IN

Uncle Bryn stunned Flemington winning the Listed Paris Lane Stakes (1400m) as an $81 outsider with Ladbrokes.

Favourite Royal Champion travelled sweetly behind the leader but faded inside the last 150m with 61kg on his back first-up for 12 months.

A post-race veterinary inspection found the top weight pulled up with a slow recovery, which may have affected the performance.

Uncle Bryn sealed an early double for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young.

Young said the Group 1 Toorak Handicap could be an option next Saturday, alternatively the Sale Cup.

"One for the bookmakers!"

Uncle Bryn causes a massive boilover in the Paris Lane. @busuttinpic.twitter.com/grjnNK1Gcf

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 5, 2024

Originally published as Flemington wrap of Turnbull Stakes day